NEW YORK, NY/10/11/07–Two major New York publishers, Simon & Schuster and Random House, each have announced the establishment of new publishing units this month. Bestselling author and co-author Karen Hunter will launch her own imprint, Karen Hunter Publishing, at Simon & Schuster’s Pocket imprint. Doubleday will launch a new division of Doubleday Broadway called The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group.

Hunter, who co-wrote Karrine Steffan’s bestselling memoir, Confessions of a Video Vixen, will build her imprint on titles that inspire and entertain. She will report to Pocket Publisher Louise Burke.

Doubleday president and publisher Stephen Rubin announced Doubleday Broadway’s new Doubleday Religious Publishing Group, which merges New York-based Doubleday Religious program with Colorado Springs-based WaterBrook Multnomah. Steve Cobb will head the division as president and publisher. He has been president of WaterBrook Multnomah. Bill Barry, publisher of Doubleday Religious, is leaving the company.

Doubleday president and publisher Stephen Rubin sees the religion category as an area of double-digit growth within the industry. The newly merged unit will encompass a full compliment of Judeo-Christian traditions as well as from other major religions. Doubleday Religious, known for its Roman Catholic focus, and WaterBrook Multnomah, evangelical Christian publishers, will maintain their distinct editorial identities after the consolidation. Doubleday Religious will reduce its academic emphasis to publish more for the general interest consumer market. Doubleday Religion will be directed by Kevin Tobin, who will also remain in his post as vice president of business operations for Doubleday Broadway. Tobin and Cobb will work together on strategic planning and marketing.